Highly-efficient crossovers

THE BMW 'M meets X Roadshow' is a driving experience aimed at showcasing the latest innovations from the German automotive powerhouse.

The mere mention of the brand is enough to instantaneously create a barrage of mental visuals of sleek, sophisticated, highly efficient driving machines. However, no imagination can conjure up a scenario that matches racing the M3 around the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

A group of journalists, including yours truly, were invited down to the BIC by Euro Motors, the exclusive importer of BMW in the kingdom, to put a range of M Meets X series BMWs through their paces.

We were split into two groups, the first took a convoy around the track and the other group went off-road, then once everyone had driven all the cars, the groups alternated.

I never ceases to amaze me when someone lets me fling a BD? car around a racetrack. Flying around corners and opening up the throttle on an open stretch of track is quite simply, exhilarating. The M3 is the fourth generation to feature a 4.0-litre V8 and 420 hp output engine which purrs when you turn it on.

And, it wasn't just on the track, we were also encouraged to take the X5 M and X6 M off-road through a small selections of the treacherous obstacles that were designed for Hummers ... but I'll get back to that later on.

So what exactly does M Meets X really mean? Well, simply put, it's a series of crossovers that offer drivers the best of both worlds. They have SUV and sedan characteristics that combine to create a driving experience that will not soon be forgotten.

The X6 M has more sedan and less SUV with its 4.4 litre V8, an M2 version of X-drive all-wheel drive, and an M-sports suspension with a dynamic driving mode (accessed by a simple button push) and you have the equivalent of dumping an energy drink into your jolt, there are purpose ventilated disk brakes.

This vehicle moves its substantial mass with ease and without hesitation, going from 0-100km in 4.5 seconds and so it goes without saying that this vehicle demands respect from the driver because power means nothing without control. So, the verdict? This is a race-tuned SUV with equal amounts of luxury!

The X5 M is a hybrid SUV with a punch and, besides being aesthetically appealing, its shape is quite aerodynamic, which plays a big role for efficiency and fuel consumption.

This model features one of the most powerful engines that BMW has ever produced; the twin turbo creates an impressive 555HP, which is not that far away from F1 standards ... handy if you're on an F1 track.

Whilst driving off-road I was able to test the 'hill assist' function which, simply put, engages the ABS anti-locking breaks when you're driving up or down a steep incline. It was quite unnerving to drive down a hill with my foot completely off the break pedal, putting total faith in the car, but sure enough, it worked a treat and the fact I'm still alive to write this article is testament to that!

The M meets X series of BMW's were such a pleasure to drive; it left me wondering if I can convince my boss to give me a pay rise.

For more information on BMW vehicles contact Euro Motors on 17750850.